Standards of care for home health were established on the premise of traditional medical models. However, since the arrival of HIV/AIDS in the United States during the 1980s, modernized treatment models have challenged home health standards. In this article, several challenges are highlighted to help health care practitioners become better aware of psychosocial issues that may arise when treating patients with HIV/AIDS. Social stigmatization and the family redefinition are discussed and practical recommendations are provided to help develop culturally competent treatment plans.
Herek GM, Capitanio JPAIDS stigma and sexual prejudice. American Behavioral Scientist. 1999;42:1126-1143.
2.
Leprosy. http://www.travelhealth.com/leprosy2.htm . Accessed February 2000.
3.
Gostin LO, Webber D.The AIDS Litigation Project, Part II. AIDS & Public Policy Journal. 1998;13(2):
4.
Tsoukas C.The dying leper syndrome. Journal of Palliative Care . 1998;4:13-14.
5.
Herek GM, Glunt EKAn epidemic of stigma: Public reaction to AIDS. American Psychologist. 1988;43;886-891.
6.
National Survey on AIDS and Stigma (1997). http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/geneva98.html . Accessed February 2000.
7.
Lie GT, Biswalo PMAIDS-Related Stigma, Care and Psychosocial Health among AIDS Patients in Northern Tanzania (1997). Internet Journal of Health Promotion: http://www.ijhp.org . Accessed February 2000.
8.
Capitanio JP , Herek GMAIDS related stigma and attitudes toward injecting drug users among Black and White Americans. American Behavioral Scientist. 1999;42:1144-1157.
9.
Steinfels P.Judgment is mostly compassionate. AIDS provokes theological second thoughts. New York Times , November 19, 1989:5.
